There is little doubt that in-mold electronics (IME) have come a long way, and offer tremendous benefits. IME is gaining headway in the market, but commercialization takes time, particularly in the automotive segment.

The Origo Steering Wheel may be a potential answer for the automotive market. Developed by a Finnish automotive consortium including Canatu, TactoTek, Siili Auto and Rightware, Origo allows the driver to manage all of the car’s key functions from the steering wheel, which is a major benefit in terms of safety and cutting down distractions. It brings the smart device User Experience (UX) to cars and trucks.

Origo has earned some prestigious awards, including the 2021 German Design Award and, most recently, a CES 2022 Innovation Award.

“Improving safety through innovative HMI design was one of the main goals for Siili Auto in the Origo project,” said Wojciech Kurek, CEO of Siili Auto, a specialist in human machine interfaces, in announcing the award.

“We are all very proud to be named CES 2022 Innovation Award honorees. The Origo Steering Wheel makes driving experience safe and enjoyable, and we are delighted that its value has been recognized through this prestigious award,” said Juha Kokkonen, CEO, Canatu, in announcing the award.

“Origo is a compelling example of how innovative design and manufacturing technologies, combined with leading-edge software, are enhancing user experiences,” added Jussi Harvela, TactoTek CEO, when the award was announced. “Focusing on the user with system-level solutions makes differentiating innovations more accessible to OEMs and brands.”

Hasse Sinivaara, technologist, advanced engineering at TactoTek, is TactoTek’s lead for the Origo project. Sinivaara said that the Origo project started during the summer of 2019, with the goal of ideating focus application.

“The steering wheel was selected as one of the most potent applications with technologies from different consortia members,” said Sinivaara. “The UX and styling design started during fall 2019 with design ready by the end of the year. From there, actual engineering design, fabrication and assembly was done during H1/H2 2020, with final integration and testing by the end of 2020.”

Sinivaara observed that most of the partner companies around Origo have mobile and gaming background in the past, hence the UX/UI design leaned towards mobile style experience.

“TactoTek, aside of its IMSE (In-Mold Structural Electronics) technology, was involved deeply in UX/UI design and collaborated with other team members in the styling aspects,’ added Sinivaara. “TactoTek’s IMSE technology was used in essential applications in the functional lighting for UI zones as well as full IMSE with touch/illumination in 6’o’clock start/stop applications. Canatu supplied the touchpad film with transparency enabled, while Siili Auto implemented and integrated the GUI system. Rightware supplied their automotive grade Kanzi SW system as a base ‘engine’ for the Origo.”

Mari Makkonen, VP, marketing and communications for Canatu Oy, noted that Canatu brought its expertise in CNT 3D touch surfaces to the project. Makkonen added that Canatu shapes surfaces into experiences by bringing touch on any 3D shape and surface.

“Innovative 3D touch sensors replace multiple mechanical controls, enabling sleek, light and unobtrusive interiors. Transparency allows for customizable illuminated designs,” said Makkonen.

Sinivaara noted that the Origo steering wheel offers numerous advantages.

“There are multiple areas where Origo has superior features, such as ultra-thin functional spokes with touchpad user interface,” Sinivaara said. “In this form factor, it is nearly impossible to integrate such a feature set with conventional electronics. Another very complimented feature is the transparent zones in the wings, where illumination can be used in advance to bring more informative/warning lights in to close proximity field of vision. Also, the UX/UI philosophy is unique, which can be highlighted through the unique 3D styling.”

There are other markets besides automotive where the Origo technology could be used.

“Each of the discrete elements – lighting, touch controls, and overall UX vision – can be adapted to a wide range of use cases; the cosmetics may be different, but user-centric design and the styles of interactions are broadly applicable to smart home, industrial controls, medical devices, and home appliances,” said Sinivaara. There is interest in creating these types of intuitive user interfaces from many brands.”

Makkonen said that due to its versatility, Canatu CNT is applicable to many industries.

“Our unique expertise is how we adapt it to different contexts and uses, added Makkonen. “We focus on the highly engineered solutions in automotive and semiconductor industries. In addition, we are developing CNT electrochemical sensors to detect opioids in blood samples. So yes, there’s interest towards Canatu CNT technology also beyond automotive.”

The partners noted that automotive manufacturers are showing a lot of interest in the Origo project.

“We work with OEMs and Tier companies and the concept has attracted a lot of interest,” Makkonen said.

“There is broad interest in general in Origo-style new innovative UI integration that distinguishes the UX from most any traditional steering wheels,” said Sinivaara. “Especially when considering future direction in automotive, a thin form steering wheel is almost a must as talking about the autonomous/retractable steering wheel solutions. The space becomes a luxury item.”